Orthopedic devices

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducing shoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device may comprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining an open passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer radius defining a sidewall thickness between the inner radius and the outer radius, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The outer diameter may be selected to provide a sidewall thickness that restricts movement of the arm such that shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are each limited.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part and claims the prioritybenefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/791,696as filed on Mar. 8, 2013 and titled “Arm Cuff for Reducing ShoulderImpingement,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to methods and devices forlimiting arm and foot movement.

BACKGROUND

The shoulder joint is one of the largest joints in the human body andhas the greatest range of motion of any joint. The shoulder joint is thearea where the head of the humerus bone joins the scapula. While theshoulder joint is considered a ball and socket joint, the socket isrelatively shallow. The shallow socket contributes to the joint's rangeof motion. Other bones that play a crucial role in the functionality ofthe shoulder include the acromion and coracoids process that projectfrom the scapula and the clavicle that is connected to the acromion bythe acromioclavicular ligament.

A variety of soft tissues hold the shoulder joint in place and allow thewide range of motion. These tissues include the rotator cuff whichcomprises several muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint,bursae which are sacs of fluid that provide protection and lubricationwithin the rotator cuff, and the glenoid labrum which is afibrocartilaginous rim around the socket in the scapula. Additionally,many other ligaments, tendons, and muscles assist in the function of theshoulder joint.

Because of the loose fit between the humerus and the scapula, the widerange of motion of the joint, and the general abuse the joint receives,shoulder injuries are common. Strains and tears of ligaments andtendons, and tears of the tissue comprising the rotator cuff arefrequent occurrences for people with an active lifestyle or job, as wellas the elderly. Injuries may also occur due to a single event such aslifting a heavy object or an accident.

Each of these injuries typically result in a significant amount of pain,particularly when moving the arm. The most intense pain may occur whenthe arm is moved towards the extremes of motion and soft tissue isimpinged between the head of the humerus and the acromion.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducingshoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device maycomprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining anopen passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to adistal end, an outer radius defining a sidewall thickness between theinner radius and the outer radius, and a length from the proximal end tothe distal end. The outer diameter may be selected to provide a sidewallthickness that restricts movement of the arm such that shoulder flexion,extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotationare each limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an anterior view of the skeletal anatomy of the shoulder.

FIG. 2 is a posterior view of the skeletal anatomy of the shoulder.

FIG. 3 is a lateral view of the skeletal anatomy of the shoulder.

FIG. 4 is an anterior view of the skeletal anatomy of the shoulder anddeep level soft tissue.

FIG. 5 is a lateral cutaway view of the right shoulder joint socket.

FIG. 6 illustrates arm movement associated with shoulder flexion andextension.

FIG. 7 illustrates arm movement associated with shoulder adduction andabduction.

FIG. 8 illustrates arm movement associated with shoulder lateral andmedial rotation.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is an end view of an arm movement restraining device accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an end view of an arm movement restraining device accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 16 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 17 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 18 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 19 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 20 illustrates a person in a lying position with an arm movementrestraining device engaged on a forearm.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of an arm movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for reducing shoulderimpingement for a person in a lying position according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a foot movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of a foot movement restrainingdevice according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducingshoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device maycomprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining anopen passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to adistal end. The open passage may be adapted to releasably engage aforearm of the person therein. The cuff may also have an outer radiusdefining a sidewall thickness between the inner radius and the outerradius, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The outerdiameter may be selected to provide a sidewall thickness that, when thecuff is engaged on the forearm of the person, restricts movement of thearm such that shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateralrotation, and medial rotation are each limited.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate anterior and posterior views, respectively, ofthe skeletal anatomy of the shoulder 100 (also referenced as shoulderjoint 100). The shoulder joint is comprised of the humerus 105 (the boneof the upper arm) and the scapula 110 (commonly referred to as theshoulder blade). A terminal portion of the humerus, or the head of thehumerus 115, mates with the scapula 110 at the glenoid cavity 120. Theacromion 125 and coracoid process 130 extend outwardly from the scapula110 partially surrounding the head of the humerus 115 and providingmounting surfaces for a number of muscles and tendons (see FIG. 5). Theclavicle 135 extends above the scapula 110 and terminates in proximityto the acromion 125.

FIG. 3 illustrates a lateral view of the skeletal anatomy of theshoulder 100 without the humerus 105. In this view, the glenoid cavity120 is more clearly presented, along with the glenoid labrum 305. Theglenoid labrum 305, or glenoid ligament, comprises a fibrocartilaginousrim about the periphery of the glenoid cavity 120. Together, the glenoidcavity 120 and the glenoid labrum 305 form the “socket” of the shoulderball and socket joint, with the head of the humerus 115 forming the“ball.”

FIG. 4 illustrates an anterior view of the skeletal anatomy of theshoulder 100 with the deep layer soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, andtendons) present. The coraco-clavicular ligament 405 and the conoidligament 410 connect the clavicle 135 to the scapula 110 by attaching tothe coracoid process 130. The terminal end of the clavicle 135 isconnected to the acromion 125 by the acromioclavicular ligament 415. Thecoracoacromial ligament 420 also connects the coracoid process 130 tothe acromion 125. The head of the humerus 115 is connected to thescapula 110 by the coracohumeral ligament 425 that attaches to thecoracoid process 130 and the glenohumeral ligaments 430. Thesupraspinatus muscle 435 runs from the top of the humerus 105 to thescapula 110 and passes between the coracoid process 130 and the acromion125. The biceps muscle 440 is connected to the shoulder joint 100 by thebiceps tendon 445 which attaches to the glenoid labrum 305. The softtissue generally either connecting or positioned between the humerus 105and the scapula 110 comprise the rotator cuff 450.

FIG. 5 presents a cut away lateral view of the right shoulder joint 100to further illustrate the soft tissue. A joint capsule 505 surrounds theball and socket joint between the head of the humerus 115 and theglenoid cavity 120. The joint capsule 505 provides a watertight sacaround the ball and socket joint and provides the main source ofstability for the shoulder, holding the ball and socket joint in placeand preventing the ball and socket joint from dislocating. Surroundingthe joint capsule 505 are a series of muscles including the teres minormuscle 510, the infraspinatus muscle 515, the supraspinatus muscle 520,and the subcapularis muscle 525 that in part form the rotator cuff 450.Positioned between these rotator cuff muscles and the acromion 125 isthe subacromial bursa 530. A second bursa, the subcoracoid bursa 535, ispositioned between the rotator cuff muscles and the coracoid process130. The bursae 530, 535 are sacs of lubricating fluid that arepositioned where two body parts may rub against one another where thereis no joint structure.

As illustrated above, the glenoid cavity 120 and the glenoid labrum 305form a relatively shallow socket for receiving the head of the humerus115. This shallow socket combined with the complex soft tissue structureof the shoulder joint 100 allow a wide range of arm motion which allowsthe hand to achieve a variety of positions. This range of arm movementinvolving movement at the shoulder joint 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 6through 8. FIG. 6 illustrates shoulder flexion (A), or rotation of astraight arm positioned at the side to above the head, and extension(B), or rotation of a straight arm towards the back, without crossingthe arm over the torso. The typical range of flexion rotation is about180 degrees measured from the arm at the side, and typical range ofextension rotation is about 50 degrees. FIG. 7 illustrates shoulderadduction (C), or rotation of a straight arm in a raised position andextending straight out from the body across the chest, and abduction(D), or rotation of the same raised straight arm towards the back. Thetypical range of adduction rotation is about 45 degrees measured fromthe arm positioned straight out from the body, and the typical range ofabduction rotation is about 130 degrees. FIG. 8 illustrates shoulderlateral rotation (E), or rotation of the arm away from the body with theelbow bent at 90 degrees, and medial rotation (F), or rotation of thesame bent arm in front of the body. The typical range of lateralrotation is about 60 degrees measured from the forearm positionedupward, and the typical range of medial rotation is about 105 degrees.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, the shoulder joint 100 has thewidest range of motion of any joint in the body. However, due to therelatively small and shallow size of the socket formed by the glenoidcavity 120 and the glenoid labrum 305, the shoulder joint 100 isinherently unstable and prone to injury as well as a variety ofdiseases. One common injury is known as impingement syndrome. When thearm is abducted more than about 90 degrees, a projection on the back ofthe head of the humerus 115 compresses the rotator cuff 450, and inparticular the subacromial bursa 530, against the acromion 125 causingpain and loss of range of motion. Additionally, tendonitis associatedwith the supraspinatus muscles 435 and subacromial bursitis in thesubacromial bursa 530 may cause inflammation that compresses thesubacromial bursa 530 against the acromion 125.

Another common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff 450 tear. The tear maybe in any of the four muscles comprising the rotator cuff 450, or in thesurrounding ligaments and tendons. Since the rotator cuff 450 supportsessentially all movement of the shoulder, any shoulder movement tends tocause pain when a tear is present.

More severe trauma can lead to broken bones and separated ligaments. Forexample, a shoulder joint 100 subjected to extreme forces could resultin an anterior or posterior dislocation of the head of the humerus 115from the glenoid cavity 120, a tearing of the glenoid labrum 305, oreven a fracture of the head of the humerus 115. Similarly, a partial orcomplete tear of the acromioclavicular ligament 415, coraco clavicularligament 405, or conoid ligament 410 associated with the clavicle 135may result.

The injuries and diseases of the shoulder joint 100 described above,along with a variety of others, can lead to extreme pain when moving thearm and may require surgery and physical therapy. During pre-operativeand post-operative periods, as well as during physical therapy, theshoulder joint 100 may cause pain when the arm is moved beyond a limitedrange of motion before healing is completed. Painful movements may beexacerbated when the injured person is lying down and trying to sleepbecause the arm may be moved considerably in order to find a comfortableposition. While an arm sling may be worn while sleeping, the position ofthe arm in the sling (generally medially rotated, see FIG. 8) whilelying down tends to drive the head of the humerus 115 upwards into therotator cuff 450 which tends to cause pain and discomfort.

FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of an arm movement restrainingdevice 900 that may be worn while lying down to restrict movement of thearm such that impingement or other excessive movements of the shoulderjoint 100 may be reduced. The restraining device 900 may comprise agenerally tubular body or cuff 905. The body 905 may comprise an innerradius R1 defining an open axial passage 920 extending through the body905 from a proximal end 910 to a distal end 915. The inner radius R1 maybe selected such that the restraining device 900 may fit comfortably ona forearm of the user. Generally, the fit of the restraining device 900is such that the restraining device 900 is tight enough to stay onforearm without slipping off but loose enough so that blood flow in theforearm is not impeded. The value of R1 may vary from about 2 inches toabout 6 inches depending on the size of the forearm.

In various embodiments, the body 905 may also comprise an outer radiusR2 that, in conjunction with the inner radius R1, defines a wallthickness T of the body 905. As discussed in further detail below, theouter radius R2 may be selected to provide a wall thickness T sufficientto restrict movement of the arm while the user is lying down such thatrotational movement of the shoulder is minimized, thereby reducingshoulder impingement. The wall thickness T may be selected based on avariety of factors including, but not limited to, height, weight,gender, and physical condition of the user; desired amount of armmovement desired; length of forearm; length of upper arm; typicalsleeping position of the user (on the back, side, or stomach); and thelike. Generally, the wall thickness T may range from about 2 inches toabout 10 inches, and the corresponding outer radius R2 may range fromabout 5 inches to about 16 inches. In various embodiments, the wallthickness T may be selected to limit shoulder flexion, extension,adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are eachlimited to a maximum of about 30 degrees when the restraining device 900is engaged on the forearm of the user.

The body 905 may have a length L selected such that the proximal end 910is positioned in proximity to the user's elbow, and the distal end 915is positioned in proximity to the user's wrist when the restrainingdevice 900 is placed on the user's forearm. In general, the length L isgreater than a length of the user's upper arm. For adult users thelength may range from about 5 inches to about 16 inches. For child oradolescent users, a reduced length L may be required. As will be evidentto one skilled in the art, any inner radius R1, outer radius R2, wallthickness T, length L, and combinations thereof, are within the scope ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of the restraining device 900comprising a strap 1005. The strap 1005 may be placed over the shoulderof the user to function as a sling, for example, to support the arm andthe weight of the restraining device 900 should the user get out of bedfor a short period of time. The strap 1005 may also be adapted forplacement about the waist of the user to further restrain movement ofthe arm.

Although FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the body 905 being generallycylindrical with parallel side walls, other shapes are contemplated andwithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 11illustrates various embodiments in which the wall thickness T decreasesfrom the proximal end 910 to the distal end 915 such that the outerradius R2 at the proximal end is greater than an outer radius R3 at thedistal end. The tapered design of FIG. 11 may be more comfortable forsome users by not elevating the hand as much as the design illustratedin FIG. 9. Similarly, FIG. 12 illustrates various embodiments in whichthe body 905 has an hourglass shape, which may be more comfortable ifthe user places their arm across their stomach while lying down.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate various embodiments in which a cross-sectionof the body 905 is not generally circular. In FIG. 13, a portion of theouter surface of the body 905 may be flattened which may provide morestability while the user is lying down. FIG. 14 illustrates that thecross-sectional shape of the body 905 need not be rounded or circular atall, and may comprise a plurality of generally flat surfaces.

FIGS. 15 through 20 illustrate the user in a variety of lying positionswith the restraining device 900 engaged on the forearm corresponding toan injured or diseased shoulder according to various embodiments. FIG.15 illustrates the user lying on his back with the right shoulder as theaffected shoulder. In this position, the right arm may tend to laterallyand medially rotate to the extremes, which may cause immediate pain andprevent or disturb sleep. The restraining device 900 may tend torestrict rotation within a more manageable range. In addition,maintaining the arm in a neutral position (with reference to lateral andmedial rotation) to minimize impingement is an unnatural position. Therestraining device 900 may buttress the arm in place withoutimmobilizing the shoulder joint 100 making it easier for the user tomaintain the neutral position. Further, in FIG. 16 the user may try tofully extend the right arm along his side. The restraining device 900may contact the bed and prevent the arm from fully extending becausemaintaining a slightly bent elbow while lying on the back may reducepressure on the shoulder joint 100.

FIG. 17 illustrates the user lying on the right side with the leftshoulder being the affected shoulder. In this case, the restrainingdevice 900 may prevent the user from rolling over on his stomach withhis left arm underneath. Rolling over on his stomach may force the armto fully rotate medially, putting sudden and intense pressure on theshoulder joint 100 which may result in significant pain and perhapsfurther injury.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the user is lying on his back and moves the arm froma flexion position (FIG. 18) to an extension position (FIG. 19) whilemaintaining a bend in the elbow. The restraining device 900 stops theshoulder joint 100 from full flexion rotation in FIG. 18, and provides anatural and comfortable neutral position when the arm is extended as inFIG. 19.

In FIG. 20, the user is lying on the right side, which is the side withthe affected shoulder. To relieve impingement, the user should place theright arm in a neutral position at his side; however, that is anunnatural position. The user may tend to extend the right arm such thatthe right hand is above the head, but this position will causeimpingement and resulting pain, making sleep difficult. However, withthe restraining device 900 on the right forearm, flexion rotation of thearm is restricted and impingement does not occur or may be significantlyreduced.

In various embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the body 905of the restraining device 900 may be obtained by the user in a flatsheet form that the user rolls (FIG. 21B) into a cylindrical shape andsecures the body 905 with closure straps 2105 (or other closuremechanism). Thus, the user may adjust the tightness of the restrainingdevice 900 on the forearm by loosening or tightening the closure straps2105.

Although not shown in the drawings, the body 905 may contain an internalvoid. The void may comprise a bladder that may be filled with gas orliquid to inflate the body 905 to the desired wall thickness T, as wellas adjust the pressure exerted on the forearm. In other embodiments, thevoid may be filled with a cold or hot pack, or a pack adapted todispense pharmaceutical agents.

The body 905 may be constructed of a lightweight foam such aspolyethylene, urethane, polyurethane, neoprene, polystyrene, latex, orany combination thereof. The material of construction may be chosen suchthat the foam will not collapse an appreciable amount under the weightof the user's arm, thereby generally maintaining the outer radius R2.

FIG. 22 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of amethod 2200 for reducing shoulder impingement for a person in a lyingposition. At step 2205, a generally tubular body or cuff 905 may beprovided. The body 905 may comprise an inner radius R1 defining an openaxial passage 920 extending axially from a proximal end 910 to a distalend 915. The opening axial passage 920 may be adapted to releasablyengage a forearm of the person therein. The body 905 may furthercomprise an outer radius R2 defining a sidewall thickness between theinner radius R1 and the outer radius R2, and may comprise a length Lfrom the proximal end to the distal end.

At step 2210, the outer radius R2 may be selected to provide a sidewallthickness T that restricts movement of the person's arm such thatshoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, andmedial rotation are each limited when the body 905 is engaged on theforearm. In various embodiments, the shoulder flexion, extension,adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are eachlimited to a maximum of 30 degrees.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a foot movement restraining deviceaccording to various embodiments.

Shown in FIG. 23 is a generally cylindrical cuff 2300, outer diameter2305, optional vent 2310, inner radius 2315, foot position 2320, andbottom end enclosure 2325. An opening with Velcro® straps in order toget the leg in and out of the brace is also shown.

Dorsiflexion is the movement of the foot upwards, so that the foot iscloser to the shin. For a movement to be considered dorsiflexion, thefoot should be raised upward between 10 and 30 degrees. Dorsiflexionuses the muscles in the front part (anterior) of the foot. The tendonsof the muscles that pass through the front of the foot and into theankle joint include the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, andextensor digitorum longus. These tendons are located on the front of theleg and are supplied by the deep peroneal nerve. Damage to this nervecan stop a person from being able to raise their foot.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Itinvolves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across thebottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes (plantarfascia).

People use dorsiflexion when they walk. During the middle stages ofweight bearing and just before pushing off the ground, the foot willreach its end range of dorsiflexion. If there are problems withdorsiflexion, then the body will compensate naturally, which in turn cancause issues elsewhere.

Referring again to FIG. 23, according to various exemplary embodiments,a method for maintaining a foot in a neutral dorsiflexion position 2320for a person in a lying position comprises providing a generallycylindrical cuff 2300 extending from a proximal end of a person's legjust below the person's knee cap to an inner distal end near theperson's foot bottom, the generally cylindrical cuff 2300 comprising aninner radius 2315 defining an open passage through the generallycylindrical cuff 2300. The passage is configured to releasably engagethe foot of the person in the neutral dorsiflexion position 2320. Agenerally round bottom enclosure 2325 is selected at an outer distal endnear the person's foot bottom and perpendicular to the generallycylindrical cuff for enclosing the foot. An outer diameter 2305 of thegenerally cylindrical cuff is selected to provide a sidewall thicknessthat restricts movement of the foot of the person, and elevates theperson's leg without elevating the person's knee to limit knee flexionwhen the generally cylindrical cuff is releasably engaged on the foot ofthe person.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of a foot movement restrainingdevice according to various embodiments.

Shown in FIG. 24 is the generally cylindrical cuff 2300, distal end2405, proximal end 2410 and knee flex 2415. An opening with Velcro®straps in order to get the leg in and out of the brace is also shown.

In various exemplary embodiments, the proximal end 2410 is near the kneecap of the person and the distal end 2405 is near the toes of the personwhen the device is positioned on the foot of the person. The sidewallthickness may range from about 3 inches to about 8 inches. Furthermore,the generally cylindrical cuff 2300 may be constructed of a lightweightfoam material, including polyethylene, urethane, polyurethane, neoprene,polystyrene, latex, or a combination thereof. According to furtherexemplary embodiments, the cuff may comprise an inflatable bladder tovary the inner radius, thereby adjusting an amount of pressure exertedon the foot. The generally cylindrical cuff 2300 may further comprise aninflatable bladder to vary the outer radius. The generally cylindricalcuff 2300 may exude one or more pharmaceutical agents, or apply heat orcold.

As shown in FIG. 24, according to exemplary embodiments, the foot ismaintained in a neutral dorsiflexion position 2320 (FIG. 23) for aperson in a lying position. Accordingly, it allows the person to turn inbed from side to side or from front to back. The device also maintainselevation. In further exemplary embodiments, the cuff may be vented forcomfort.

In most exemplary embodiments, the device does not limit knee flexion.Additionally, the device may be used to cover a cast for cleanliness orcomfort, or may be used as a plantar fasciitis splint.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain thepositioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further,terms such as “proximal”, “distal”, and the like, are also used todescribe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also notintended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughoutthe description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”,“comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways thanthose herein set forth without departing from the scope and essentialcharacteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for maintaining a foot in a neutraldorsiflexion position for a person in a lying position, comprising stepsof: providing a generally cylindrical cuff configured to extend from aproximal end of a person's leg adjacent to the person's knee cap to aninner distal end near the person's foot bottom, the generallycylindrical cuff comprising an inner radius defining an open passagethrough the generally cylindrical cuff, the open passage configured toreleasably engage the foot of the person in the neutral dorsiflexionposition; selecting a generally round bottom enclosure at an outerdistal end near the person's foot bottom and perpendicular to thegenerally cylindrical cuff for enclosing the foot; and selecting anouter diameter of the generally cylindrical cuff to provide a sidewallthickness that restricts movement of the foot of the person, elevatesthe person's leg without elevating the person's knee to limit kneeflexion when the generally cylindrical cuff is releasably engaged on thefoot of the person.
 2. The method of claim 1, the maintaining of theneutral dorsiflexion position of the foot generally comprising theperson's foot being straight up and at a right angle to the leg.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the selecting of the outerdiameter of the generally cylindrical cuff to provide a sidewallthickness that allows the generally cylindrical cuff to rotate with abody of the person when it is releasably engaged on the person's footand the person is in the lying position.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising the selecting of the outer diameter of the generallycylindrical cuff to provide a sidewall thickness that allows theperson's other foot that is not in a cuff to rest on top of thegenerally cylindrical cuff when the person is in the lying position. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising the generally cylindrical cuffenhancing recovery of an injured leg or ankle.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising selecting a generally cylindrical cuff that is solidor vented.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the ventedgenerally cylindrical cuff having openings for air circulation.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the elevating of the person's leg withoutelevating the person's knee to limit knee flexion further comprisingpositioning the generally cylindrical cuff four to six inches below theperson's knee.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting aninner radius to accommodate a cast.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising increasing a cushioning of the cast.
 11. The method of claim10, further comprising increasing the cleanliness of the cast.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising using the generally cylindricalcuff as a night splint.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprisingusing the generally cylindrical cuff to treat plantar fasciitis.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the generally cylindrical cuff is constructedof a lightweight foam material.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thefoam material comprises polyethylene, urethane, polyurethane, neoprene,polystyrene, latex, or a combination thereof.
 16. The method of claim 1,wherein the generally cylindrical cuff further comprises an inflatablebladder to vary the inner radius thereby adjusting an amount of pressureexerted on the foot.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the generallycylindrical cuff further comprises an inflatable bladder to vary anouter radius.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the generallycylindrical cuff exudes one or more pharmaceutical agents.
 19. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the generally cylindrical cuff is adapted toapply heat or cold.